ANEURISMS OF THE HEART
\ˈanjuːɹˌɪzəmz ɒvðə hˈɑːt], \ˈanjuːɹˌɪzəmz ɒvðə hˈɑːt], \ˈa_n_j_uː_ɹ_ˌɪ_z_ə_m_z ɒ_v_ð_ə h_ˈɑː_t]\
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The former can scarcely be esteemed aneurisms, as they most commonly consist of increased thickness of the parietes of the heart, which diminishes its cavity instead of increasing it. The term Hypertrophy of the heart better indicates their character. Passive aneurism, Cardiec'tasis, on the contrary, is attended with extenuation of the parietes of the organ, and enlargement of the cavities. The physical signs of dilatation of the heart are the following :-The action of the heart is not visible, and no impulse is conveyed to the hand. On percussion, there is a loss of resonance over a larger surface than usual, but the dulness is much less intense than that which accompanies hypertrophy. On auscultation, the action of the heart is only slightly felt, and communicates at once the impression of its diminished power. The impulse is feebler than usual. Both sounds are widely transmitted over the thorax, and are not much fainter at a distance from their point of origin. Partial or true aneurism of the Heart-is sometimes seen; rarely, however. The name Aneurism of the Valves of the Heart has been given to pouch-like projections of the valves into the auricles.
By Robley Dunglison